A bright, white smile is a hallmark of youth and health. Stained or discolored teeth can cause a person to be dissatisfied with his or her entire appearance. Dr. Joseph Murray understands his patients want a smile that is not only healthy but looks great. To help them achieve this goal, he provides both in-office and take-home teeth whitening treatments at his Atlanta, GA, practice. A simple procedure, teeth whitening dramatically lightens or altogether eliminates stains and other sources of discoloration, leaving patients with brighter, whiter smiles.

If you are interested in finding out how you might benefit from professional teeth whitening, reach out to us today to set up an appointment.

Determining Whether Teeth Whitening Is Right for You

Because teeth whitening is such a low-risk treatment, it is suitable for a wide range of patients. But as with any procedure, it might not be suitable for everyone.

The best candidates typically have mild to moderate tooth discoloration. During your consultation, Dr. Murray will examine your teeth to determine whether you are suffering from extrinsic (superficial) stains, intrinsic (deep) stains, or both. Teeth whitening is most effective at treating stains on the enamel of the teeth, which are usually yellowish or brownish in hue. These extrinsic stains are usually caused by staining agents such as red wine, coffee, tea, darkly colored foods, and tobacco. Intrinsic stains may not respond as well to teeth whitening treatment, in which case alternative treatments such as porcelain veneers or crowns may be recommended. These stains are often caused by certain medications or trauma.

It is also important to remember that any existing restorations you have, such as crowns or bridges, will not respond to whitening treatment. If you require a restoration, Dr. Murray may recommend first whitening your natural teeth to achieve a bright smile and then matching your restoration to your newly whitened teeth.

Those who suffer from tooth sensitivity or worn enamel may not be considered suitable candidates for teeth whitening.

Teeth Whitening Options

Dr. Murray offers two teeth-whitening options: in-office teeth whitening and take-home whitening kits. If you choose in-office treatment, a hydrogen-peroxide-based gel will be applied to your teeth and activated upon exposure to a special lamp. Depending on the level of whitening you desire, this process may be repeated several times within the same visit. Patients who undergo in-office treatment can dramatically brighten their smile in as little as an hour and a half.

If you choose to whiten your teeth at home, you will be provided with custom-crafted dental trays that will be filled with a bleaching gel and then placed over your teeth. These trays serve the dual purpose of applying the gel to your teeth and protecting the surrounding tissue from its bleaching effects. This gel is similar to the solution used during in-office treatment, but features a lower concentration of hydrogen peroxide.

Take-home and in-office whitening can produce comparable results but each offers unique benefits. Your choice will largely depend on your lifestyle and budget. Take-home treatment, while less expensive, requires a longer treatment period. Patients wear the gel-filled dental trays for 30-minute periods daily over several weeks for a gradual whitening effect. Although in-office treatment can produce dramatic results in a single appointment, it is more expensive and it might not be recommended for patients with especially sensitive teeth.

Benefits of Professional Whitening

While over-the-counter whitening options are available, they often produce unreliable and inconsistent results. Mass-produced, poorly fitting dental trays can fail to keep the whitening gel in place. This can lead to irritated gum tissue and heightened sensitivity. Dr. Murray can also provide additional treatment and touch-up kits to maintain your bright, white smile for years to come.

Benefits of a Brighter Smile

Natural-looking results and an overall healthier, more youthful looking smile

Improved confidence and self-esteem

Dramatic reduction in stubborn stains, with many altogether eliminated

Long-term results

Safe, dentist-supervised treatment

Contact Our Cosmetic Dentistry Practice Today

Here at J.D. Murray DDS & Associates, we provide patient-oriented service to every individual. If you are interested in learning more about your teeth whitening options or would like to schedule an appointment, contact our cosmetic dentistry practice today.